REVOLT IN THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA: THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY



Photo Credit: BBC



Expectations, Great expectations and dreams of better conditions are the aspirations of most people demonstrating in the Middle East and North Africa, however, for some these dreams may never materialise.

The change for now can only be described as cosmetic as nothing apart from dictatorial rulers have been removed but their apparatus remain  in place. The constitutions and laws that treat Christians and other religious minorities as second class are still in place.

The question is will it ever be changed? The names- Muslim Kingdom and Islamic Republic still remain but will that also change? These are questions that need addressing. As the wave of change sweeps across the region it is unclear what or who will fill the vacuum as there is no clear leader. No clear leader means no clear agenda and what to expect. Therefore this euphoria could very quickly turn to disappointment for many. This disappointment has already began.

In Egypt Christians and other minorities and women joined in the protests hoping for a better Egypt in terms of their liberties but have now been excluded from the constitutional review committee. In reaction the US State Department simply expressed concern that Women were not included. Is it too much for the powers that be to categorically  state the discrimination against Christians must end in these countries?

As the birthplace of Christianity, the Middle East and North Africa are home to some of the world's most ancient Christian denominations. But a combination of factors including persecution and emigration have contributed to a massive decline in numbers of Christians. As a result Christianity in the Middle East today is an endangered  species.

It beggars belief why the United Nations body responsible for preservation of cultural heritage UNESCO is silent about the strangulation of the Christian heritage out of every facet of life in these countries. Not even the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have had the guts to speak out in support of equal rights for Christians and other religious minorities. The spot light is always on different muslim sects and how well they treat or mistreat each other. There are pockets of communities all through the Middle East with centuries old tradition steeped in Christianity and these ought to be preserved.

In light of the above, the revolt through out the Middle East and North Africa should not only be welcomed as a victory for human rights but also should serve as a platform for reforms of religious liberties. Attacks against Christians is commonplace and in  most cases orchestrated by the State. With the people of the Middle East now calling for change and the freedom of choice,  it is my hope that this will be true freedom of choice and expression.

The people are fighting political tyranny and religious tyranny. The idea of countries being called Islamic Republic of . . . or The Muslim Kingdom of . . . is incompatible and inconsistent with the cherished freedom of the people. How could the international community look the other way when countries define themselves by a religious identity and exclude all others. Persecution of Christians is a systematic and sustained practice in the Middle East. 

The truth is that these nations are much more secular than you think. To the utter amazement of everybody Syria in July 2010 banned the burkha from the countries Universities. Not everyone living in say Iran is muslim or desires to be one. So why is religious freedom not a constant part of the bargaining with these countries?

Christians in the Middle East have a right to their identity and culture, the right to worship in a church building and  freedom to Evangelise without fear of persecution. Christians have a right to live in their own countries without being treated as second class citizens.